What are the causes for atopic dermatitis?
There is a strong genetic tendency in atopic dermatitis with 30 - 70 % of patients having a family history of allergies. In addition, exposure to certain environmental factors can provoke atopic dermatitis.

What are the provoking factors of atopic dermatitis?
Excessive drying of the skin, excessive sweating, irritants (soaps, detergents, perfumes, woollen clothing), certain types of food, inhalant allergens, dust mites can all exacerbate itching in predisposed individuals

What the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
Children with atopic dermatitis tend to have a dry, lustreless skin. Lesions tend to be very itchy and it is worse in the night. The skin appears red and inflamed. Scratching can lead to splitting of the skin which may then start oozing and become secondarily infected. Overtime skin areas that are affected become dark and thick. In children common areas affected are cheeks, forehead, scalp, neck and limbs especially back of elbow and back of knees.